supposedly

English

Etymology

supposed + -ly

Pronunciation

  • (file)

Adverb

supposedly (not comparable)

  1. As a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.
    People from other planets have supposedly visited Earth in flying saucers.
    According to your testimony, you were supposedly at home watching TV when the murder occurred.
    • 2011, Tom Fordyce, Rugby World Cup 2011: England 12-19 France:
      France were supposedly a team in pieces, beaten by Tonga just a week ago and with coach Marc Lievremont publicly berating his players, but so clear-cut was their victory that much of the atmosphere had been sucked from the contest long before the end.
    • 2020 December 2, Paul Bigland, “My weirdest and wackiest Rover yet”, in Rail, page 68:
      I haven't booked, so I don't have a clue as to whether the service will be busy or not. Supposedly, reservations are compulsory, but I want to find out what would happen if you just turn up.
  2. (Philippines, informal) Used in place of "supposed to be," often in informal or colloquial speech, as a mispronunciation.
    My parents told me I am supposedly in bed by 10 P.M.

Synonyms

Translations

See also

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